I am Mark Campbell, and I am a sponsor and mentor of Team 1777, Shawnee Mission West Robotics. I graduated from SM West in 1971, and all of my children also graduated from SM West. In fact, my son, Michael, and my step-son Lyman were on the inaugural FIRST Robotics team that formed at SM West in 2005. I am a Professional Engineer, owner and principal of a small consulting engineering firm, RTE Technologies, Inc. My wife, Sandy, (Lyman’s mother), and I both serve as volunteers at FIRST Regionals because we believe the entire concept of FIRST is worthy of our financial and time contributions.

FIRST and SM West teachers/coaches, Rob Dudek and Vicki Davis, were instrumental in making a profound difference in my son, Michael’s, life. We discovered Michael’s learning disabilities when he was in first grade in school. While Michael had an Individualized Education Plan all through primary and secondary schools, he had to work hard during the education process, and planned to enter the work world after high school graduation. Mr. Dudek recognized some animation/graphics talent in Michael and invited him to join the FIRST Robotics team. (Lyman was invited as well because he was a talented overall student, and was taking metal shop when the team was forming.) Michael discovered his love for animation while creating a FIRST safety video, and also enjoyed the camaraderie that developed during the FIRST season. Eventually, Michael decided to attend a private college to study animation and graphics arts as a career. He is expected to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in August 2010 from the Art Institute of Colorado. While college level study has also been a challenge, Michael has learned to develop his strengths and become more independent. Michael has had a significant degree of success in his college education, winning animation student of the month awards. He recently started an internship program, helping develop game animations for a company. I credit FIRST and Rob Dudek with making a profoundly positive impact on Michael’s life.

This type of positive influence is common among young people who become involved in FIRST Robotics. The program promotes very healthy principles that our society needs. I could not be more enthusiastic about the concept of FIRST and heartily support the changes in our society that FIRST promotes. I believe in FIRST. I am aware that in practice it is sometimes not perfect. However, the principles and life lessons that are naturally embedded in the FIRST Robotics program are extremely good, and I intend to support FIRST and SM West robotics indefinitely.